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USA TODAY Watch Party: Ranking the Star Wars Saga for Star Wars Day
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Unless you’ve been stuck inside a Wampa cave on Hoth, crash-landed a TIE Fighter on the desolate plains of Jakku, or perhaps were temporarily digested in the belly of the dreaded Sarlacc – though we all know Boba Fett made a triumphant escape from that particular predicament – then you’re undoubtedly aware that Revenge of the Sith is commemorating its 20th anniversary. A significant milestone in the Star Wars timeline.
In celebration of Star Wars Day (May the 4th, of course) – and the aforementioned special birthday – it’s time to fire up Disney+ or dust off those Blu-rays and embark on a rewatch of all eleven Star Wars cinematic offerings. That includes the core nine-episode Skywalker Saga, along with a couple of standalone spinoff adventures that enrich the overall galaxy far, far away.
For those new to the franchise, a friendly pro tip: begin your journey with the original 1977 Star Wars (later retitled A New Hope). It’s the ideal point of entry.
The big question, of course, is: which Star Wars film reigns supreme as the ultimate champion? What is the best of the best? These are the rankings you are searching for. Prepare for a journey through hyperspace and into the heart of the force.
The Rankings (Worst to Best)
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I)
George Lucas’s prequel trilogy often receives a lot of criticism and, to be honest, at times, it’s well-deserved. This first installment especially struggles to find its footing. The Phantom Menace feels like an extended two-hour trailer for the broader Anakin Skywalker narrative. It feels convoluted, even messy. The immaculate conception of Anakin? Midichlorians and their connection to the Force? The pod-race sequence, initially thrilling, loses its novelty after repeated viewings? Darth Maul, undeniably the film’s coolest character, is relegated to a mere cameo role, lasting all of three minutes. Opening a science fiction epic with trade negotiations is an odd choice. And then there’s Jar Jar Binks… Enough said.
The movie does lay a groundwork for the political turmoil that births the Empire and establishes Anakin as the prophesied "chosen one," destined to bring balance to the Force. However, his path to fulfilling this prophecy is far from what anyone expected.
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II)
The sleek and glossy special effects detract from the gritty, lived-in aesthetic that characterized Lucas’s original films. Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman lack any discernible chemistry as the doomed lovers, Anakin and Padmé. Despite a picnic, monster battles on Geonosis, and a wedding ceremony, genuine romance is noticeably absent. That said, Attack of the Clones isn’t entirely without merit. Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi is a consistent highlight. The chase after Zam Wesell offers a glimpse of the Jedi buddy-cop comedy that we never got. The discovery of the Republic’s clone army on Kamino is a pivotal moment in the overarching story. However, let’s be honest: Stormtroopers are better than clone troopers.
- The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX)
This entry could easily be renamed Star Wars: Attack of the Callbacks. It prioritizes paying homage to familiar faces and elements from previous films, often at the expense of compelling storytelling and fresh character development. Even loveable Babu Frik is not enough to elevate this movie from a convoluted mess. Rey, Finn, and Poe lead the Resistance against a resurrected Emperor Palpatine in a narrative riddled with logic gaps and inconsistencies. The film muddies the overall focus of the sequel trilogy.
The evolving dynamic between Rey and Kylo Ren offers some intriguing moments, and director J.J. Abrams pays tribute to General Leia Organa and the enduring impact of returning characters. While hardcore fans may appreciate these aspects and the film provides plenty of bombastic spectacle, The Rise of Skywalker ultimately falters as a satisfying conclusion.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
For its first standalone venture, the powers that be at Star Wars blended a classic setting: The Rebel Alliance scrambling to stop the Empire’s mighty Death Star. The new addition was a war movie taking place on the battlefields of space and on the ground. Insurgents are rising up against "the Man."
The results are a mixed bag. Ex-con Jyn Erso leads the squad trying to steal the Death Star plans. A snarky droid ends up being the best character in the movie. (K-2SO is cooler than C-3PO.) The Empire’s bickering bureaucrats are funny to watch, but bad for getting work done. Darth Vader’s appearance is iconic. Some fan service goes too far – old school CGI is as distracting as Jar Jar. However, Rogue One does introduce some neato supporting aliens, such as Admiral Raddus.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
A young Han Solo movie might not sound like a great idea, until you see one. It is mostly free of lightsabers, Jedi, and Rebels. Solo is a Star Wars take on an Indiana Jones adventure. It is the first movie to tackle the underworld through the eyes of its most famous anti-hero. The Han in this movie is an idealistic type, willing to go to illegal lengths to see his girlfriend. Han and Chewie are awesome together. Han and Lando aren’t bad either. The movie boasts new creatures and crooks. Solo ties into Star Wars past in a surprising fashion.
For the upcoming Ryan Gosling movie, Star Wars: Starfighter, the formula for that movie should be based on this one. Not Rogue One.
- The Last Jedi (Episode VIII)
For people who love space battles, porgs, and British accents who snarl "Rebel scum", Episode VIII has a lot. Fans can unpack a lengthy run time. The Last Jedi requires repeat viewings. Luke Skywalker is the coolest he’s been since The Empire Strikes Back. The next generation of heroes in the Resistance take a great leap to be the real rebellion.
Johnson wins by subverting the foundations that Lucas put in place 40 years ago. One character even says "Good guys, bad guys. Made-up words." The galaxy is no longer a place where there are chosen ones. A First Order janitor or a Resistance mechanic can save the universe. Last Jedi is dedicated to "our princess" Carrie Fisher. Her role speaks volumes about the legacy of the core characters, but also points out the need for fresh icons.
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
Ewoks aren’t that bad! This movie has an all time high amount of alien creatures. Jabba the Hutt’s crew, Admiral Ackbar and Nien Nunb make it special. Luke says goodbye to Yoda. Leia learns that Luke is her brother. The Rebel Alliance vs. Empire space sequence is a highlight. Han Solo is less of a scoundrel. The Luke and Vader climactic father-son throwdown is one of wonder. If you don’t get chills when Vader throws the Emperor down the shaft, then something is wrong. Vader says, "Let me look on you with my own eyes." It’s a perfect ending, until George got rid of the Ewoks’ celebratory song and put young Anakin in the Dead Jedi Ghost Club.
- The Force Awakens (Episode VII)
J.J. Abrams introduces the best characters since Han, Luke, and Leia. Daisy Ridley’s Rey is wicked smart and a capable hero in the galaxy. John Boyega’s Finn and Han are brothers from another mother. Oscar Isaacs’ Poe is cool like a blue milk. Adam Driver’s Kylo does his best Vader impression as a villain. Abrams gets close to recycling material. He uses those familiar motifs to set the stage for the trilogy. He crafts the best final shot in a Star Wars film.
- A New Hope (Episode IV)
Whether Han shot first or not, the original remains the real deal. The great character moments make the movie. Luke is a farmboy who has big dreams when he looks over the horizon of Tatooine. Old Ben Kenobi explains that Darth Vader "murdered" his father Anakin. Han explains that hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster. C-3PO is constantly complaining to R2-D2. Leia puts on a brave face when she faces Vader and the destruction of her planet. We fall in love with the players and begin the long journey.
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
Simply the best! AT-ATs, the Imperial Walkers, are the coolest things that have stomped across the screen. There is so much greatness on a surface level. Vader’s reveal to Luke is the truth bomb. Luke trains with Yoda.
Empire is like a Star Destroyer full of scenes. Han saves Luke by warming him in Tauntaun guts. Lando Calrissian betrays his friend. Han and Leia have the exchange "I love you/I know" before Han gets frozen in carbonite. It’s one of the best sequels. It’s the chapter that takes a sci-fi fairy tale and makes it a masterwork.
